‘I thought this was a joke! That it’s real is even more funny!’
The chief of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department is being severely ridiculed online for apparently not knowing what the phrase “chain of command” means when asked about President Donald Trump’s federal takeover of the District of Columbia to stem crime.
During a news conference Tuesday, Chief Pamela Smith was asked by a reporter: “Can you tell us what the chain of command is now?”
Smith’s only response was: “What does that mean?”
The reporter continued: “Well, is it [Attorney General] Pam Bondi speaking to the mayor … or you, or how does this work?”
That’s when D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser jumped to the microphones to rescue Smith who stepped back.
“The president has requested MPD services snd our home-rule charter outlines the process,” the mayor explained.
“The president designated Attorney General Bondi as his proxy to request services through me.”
Reporter: “Do you know what the chain of command is now?”
Pamela Smith, D.C. Police Chief: “What does that mean?”
This is who is in charge of the police in D.C… pic.twitter.com/wGYPj7iNrg
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 12, 2025
During Tuesday’s White House media briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated the chain of command is Trump, Bondi and DEA Administrator Terry Cole who will be working with the MPD.
According to the police chief’s official biography page, “Smith has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.
“She is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy (Session 265). She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Safety Leadership at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law.”
“She’s also a sought-after speaker and panelist for many platforms focused on women in law enforcement, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and more.”
Social media users wasted no time slamming Smith for her apparent ignorance to the “chain of command” question, saying:
“How the heck does a Police Chief not know the meaning of chain of command?”
“A brand new rookie cop knows that!”
“She’s emblematic of pretty much every D.C. official.”
“I guess D.C. is run entirely by black women because they have such a great track record of controlling black teen males.”
“Unbelievable! I thought for sure she was the most qualified person for the job.
“As a woman, I have never seen so many incompetent liberal women (who hold elected positions) in my entire life.”
“Can’t wait until city officials are hired based on competency again.”
“Another ‘box checker’ hire for the D.C. police department.”
